Kakadu, Arnhem Land & Litchfield – 5 day walking tour

Trip outline

Over five magnificent days, discover a World Heritage-listed national park fed by pristine river systems and alive with over 280 bird species and spend a day in Mystical Arnhem Land. From floodplains and billabongs to rugged stone country, the diverse landscapes of Kakadu and Arnhem Land are home to one fifth of Australia’s mammals and over 2000 plant species.

In Litchfield National Park , plunge into crystal clear waterholes beneath the spring-fed waterfalls of Florence Falls and soak in the cascading pools of Buley Rockhole.

All tours have a maximum of 10 guests, include all meals and snacks, transport to and from Darwin and glamping style accommodation in Kakadu and Litchfield.

Tour inclusions:

Two Park Trek guides, who will drive, cook and care for you.

Transport which includes collecting from Darwin and returning back. We use a comfortable mini coach with a trailer attached for luggage. Plus we use the coach to drop off and pick up during the course of the day.

2018 trip dates

Itinerary outline

Our first stop en-route to Kakadu is at the picturesque Mary River Corroboree Billabong. This morning we board a boat for a leisurely cruise along the billabong which is part of the Mary River Wetlands, and home to the largest concentration of saltwater crocodiles in the world.

After morning tea, our next stop is at the picturesque Mamukala wetlands for a lovely 3km walk. Mamukala is beautiful all year round and there is a myriad of bird life here as they congregate to feed. An observation platform allows you to view the birdlife. It’s here we enjoy our lunch.

By mid-afternoon we will arrive into Jabiru and then a little further on, at our ‘glamping style’ accommodation at Cooinda Lodge Kakadu where we unpack and unwind.

Enjoy some free time exploring the Lodge or swimming in the tropical pool before pre-dinner nibbles are served which is a two-course meal expertly prepared by our guides.

Meals: lunch and dinner

Day 2

Today we embark on an unforgettable cultural day tour into Arnhem Land.

We head into Arnhem Land via Cahills crossing, this road takes us to the Injalak Arts Centre where we join up with our indigenous guide. Heading further into Arnhem Land we stop at Injalak Hill. Here we begin our walking journey up the Hill, expertly lead by our local guide. The guide will impart some fascinating historical information about the area, and the rock art.

Our lunch stop is atop the rocky escarpment, where the view out over the floodplains is simply breathtaking. Then it’s back to the Arts Centre for an opportunity to browse or purchase art items from this non – profit Aboriginal organisation, and watch local Aboriginal people painting and weaving pandanus baskets.

On our return into Kakadu we again pass over Cahills Crossing. If you didn’t spot a crocodile this morning you’re more than likely to see one this afternoon.

Ubirr is our next destination for this afternoon. Here embark on an easy 1 km circular walk followed by a moderately steep climb to a rocky outlook, where we have the opportunity to view Kakadu rock art. You will see representations of the many animals the Aboriginal people hunted. Important Dream time ancestors such as the Namarrgarn Sisters and a magnificent Rainbow Serpent are also represented in their respective galleries.

We have an early dinner tonight at The Border Store which offers authentic, delicious Thai food. Then it’s back to our accommodation for the evening to settle in and rest up, before another exciting day tomorrow.

Day 3

We depart for the day after breakfast and making lunches. Today we visit the amazing Nourlangie Rock Art site, Anbangbang Billabong and embark on the 12 km Barrk Sandstone Walk.

At Nourlangie you can see how local Aboriginal people lived in this area through changing times. The rock art here is simply astounding and you will see the world-famous Namarrgon, lightning man, (among many others) at Anbangbang gallery.

The beautiful walk around Anbangbang Billabong is not to be missed and you get a spectacular view of Nourlangie from this trail. A myriad of bird life can also be spotted here from Jabiru to Brolga, magpie geese to spoonbills. (Of course no swimming).

The Barrk Sandstone Walk takes you from Anbangbang Gallery to the top of Burrunggui (Nourlangie), across the top then down a gully to the woodland at the base. The ground is rough in places and there are some steep slopes. Once on this walk there is no opportunity to exit early so our guides will discuss with you what is required for this walk and you can make the decision to participate or not.

After spending the day around Nourlangie we head back to our accommodation for pre dinner nibbles followed by a two course-dinner prepared by your guides

Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 4

Walking: 2 km (easy) – approx. 1 hour walking (swim at the end)

Today we start with a sunrise Yellow Water Breakfast Cruise. Expect a morning jam-packed with Top-End wildlife on board the Yellow Water Cruise. On board you will see giant crocodiles, a vast range of resident bird life including jacana, egrets, jabiru, sea eagles, magpie geese and many other native species. Float through Paperbark forests and see pandanus and fresh water mangroves that line the shore. The surface of the billabong is dotted with beautiful pink and white waterlilies. A buffet breakfast is served after the cruise at Cooinda.

After this amazing and memorable cruise, we make our way south down the Kakadu Hwy and onto the National Hwy, and make our way to the small town of Batchelor.

Here we have our lunch stop, and continue onto our ‘glamping style’ accommodation in the Litchfield Tourist Park. Once we have unpacked, the afternoons activity is a wonderfully refreshing swim in the Buley Rock hole in Litchfield National Park.

This evening you will be dining at the Litchfield Tourist Park Restaurant (guest own expense)

Meals: breakfast, lunch, (dinner is guest own expense)

Day 5
Walking: 5 km (easy)

Our last day on tour today. After breakfast and lunch making we pack up the trailer and visit Tolmer Falls, Florence Falls, Buley Rockholes and the magnetic termite mounds.

We walk to the lookout at Tolmer Falls where we stand on the viewing platform to see the water cascading over escarpment.

One of Litchfield National Park’s most impressive sights is the hundreds of termite mounds standing up to two metres high in a wide swathe of empty ground. Up to 100 years old, these structures are unique to northern Australia. Stroll through the area and marvel at what are enormous magnetic compasses, with their thin edges pointing north-south and broad backs east-west.

We’ll then head off and return to Darwin about 5pm

Meals: breakfast, lunch

About our accommodation

All accommodation on this tour is of the same standard and configuration in each location. We stay in the heart of Kakadu at Cooinda, and close to the entry of Litchfield National Park.

The glamping style accommodation is comfortable and roomy with two people in each permanent tent. Each tent offers guests a comfortable inner spring mattress and has full linen and towel supplied. Amenities are private to our group accommodation but are situated in a shared facility (each permanent tent is not en-suited, facilities are shared among guests on the Park Trek group). Each has a bedside table, 240 volt electricity and pedestal fan. Set among the natural surrounds they provide a unique accommodation offering in the Top End.

At our private camp, there is an enclosed common dining area, with 240 volt electricity, full fridge and freezer facilities. Group meals are served and enjoyed in this space.

At Cooinda we are a short walk to the main Resort area which has two pools, a restaurant and bar and other services
At Litchfield we are located in the grounds of Litchfield Tourist Park which offers restaurant and bar, a pool and a range of other services.

Single Supplement

A single supplement (own permanent tent) is available at the time of booking. If you want to have a permanent tent to yourself the total single supplement amount payable is $350 for the four nights.